In loving memory, we announce that Gordon “Gordy” Nelson passed away at his home in Winona, Minn., on August 6, 2024, surrounded by his wife and six children. He dedicated his life to nurturing his family as a dedicated husband and loving father of six children, and doting grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was the kindest and most selfless person one could ever meet. Gordy grew up in Bratsberg, Minn., and graduated from Rushford High School in 1956. Gordy married Marcy on February 2, 1962, in Houston, Minn. He was a veteran of the United States Army. For 38 years, Gordy worked for Ace Telephone as a technician and general manager of the Lanesboro area. He was a Lions Club Member and a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. Gordy enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting ginseng, fishing on the Root River, working with the Men’s Group at the church, and sharing a cup of coffee. His favorite hobby was putting together puzzles.
Gordy is survived by Marcy Nelson (wife of 62 years), their six children: Sherri (Rob) Hanson, Vicki Nelson (Jim Mason), Douglas Nelson, Noelle (Jordy) Graham, John Nelson (Jenny Rein), and Lisa (Gene) Lawston; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, brother Albert (Dorothy) Nelson and sisters Lila Timm and Shirley Kalmbach.
Gordy was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Gladys (Bakke) Nelson and his brothers-in-law Dick Timm and Melvin Kalmbach.
A memorial service will be held at Rushford Lutheran Church on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. The burial service will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., at 3 p.m.
scott hatleli says
Our sympathy to Gordy’s family. He will be missed. He’s the one that taught me, on one of my first days working at Ace in 1980, that if I am a Norwegian and a telephone man I will have to learn how to drink coffee and not soda on our breaks. I did learn that and still drink coffee to this day. Thanks Gordy. RIP
Rich and Cindy Bovy says
Prayers be with your family , Gordy was an amazing person.
Michael Halvorson says
My Deepest Sympathy to the Family 🙏